Inn London to promote Istanbul culture and arts in United Kingdom

Istanbul is set to take the spotlight in an event aiming to promote the attributes of the city to Londoners. INN London is a new organization set up to bring the best of a particular foreign city’s culture, creativity and commerce to the U.K. capital. This year INN has chosen Istanbul, while in future years Sao Paolo, Moscow, Mumbai and Shanghai will be promoted. During a five-day event between April 11 and 15, INN Istanbul will present the best of the Turkish capital, from examples of its contemporary art and architecture, to its culinary and cultural life. INN is also targeting prospective tourists, those with a love of traveling and discovery, as well as those looking to expand the horizons of their business connections. Isabella Icoz, curator of the project’s artistic branch, told the Hurriyet Daily News yesterday that the project is aiming to introduce the best contemporary city art to international curators, artists and galleries in London.- "This is a unique, boutique project where just nine arts galleries will be presented in London. All visitors will be there to see the contemporary Turkish art," said Icoz who has been living in Turkey for the past six years. "We tried to focus on galleries that have very strong and emerging artists. We are trying to create opportunities for young and established artists to be seen internationally," said Icoz adding that they would present a wide range of artistic mediums, including sculpture, video, photography, and paper works in the exhibitions. Over five days, visitors will have the opportunity to get to know leading galleries, retailers, designers, and fashion from Istanbul, across Victoria House’s 25,000 square feet of exhibition space. The nine galleries curated by Icoz are as follows: artSumer, Cda Projects, Dirimart, Elipsis, Leila Heller Gallery, Merkur, Pi Artworks, Sanatorium and X-ist. "What we are aiming to do with INN London is to challenge and change preconceptions," said INN London’s founder, director Steve Wallington. "Culture is a proven agent for change, while on the business level a strong understanding of the local culture is the key to success." INN London aims to encourage business, connect people and inspire cultural exchange and travel. Tolga Tuyluoglu, director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in the UK, said, "INN London is an exciting project and one that resonates with the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office’s objectives in promoting Istanbul’s varied cultural and tourist attractions to London and a wider U.K. audience." A first batch of tickets has now been made available by the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in London, free of charge.